Toronto, Ontario - The Bicycle Trade Association of Canada ( BTAC ) is voicing strong opposition to the idea of a new British Columbia tax on sporting goods and increased user fees for young people and families who enjoy outdoor recreation in the province. Wide ranging multiple fee increases for virtually all recreational users of Crown lands, waters and parks in the province are being recommended by the B.C. Resource Stewardship Panel in a fast-track attempt to solve budget problems at the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.

Reacting to the recent report issued by the provincial panel, BTAC Executive Director Janet O'Connell said, "We oppose the idea that recreational activities like riding a bike will be subject to tobacco style "sin taxes" simply because people want to enjoy the great outdoors". "The B.C. government should be looking for ways to encourage young people and families to participate in healthy physical fitness activities - but these proposed new taxes and fees send a very negative message to our youth," she added.

The B.C. government panel has introduced the concept of a new tax on sporting goods in addition to recommending increased fishing and hunting license costs combined with new "special opportunity" fees. The creation of a new provincial Recreation Pass for all "non-consumptive" recreational activity on public lands is also being proposed. Visitors to B.C. will be hit with new recreational user fees based on "competitive market value".

Ms. O'Connell said, "This government panel would lead us to believe that people who enjoy outdoor recreation are simply willing to pay increased costs on top of existing taxes and fees without any negative impact. Our members certainly do not support such a conclusion."

She continued, "The economic impact of significantly increased costs would lead to a decline in cycling participation and this translates to lost jobs and reduced tax revenues in the retail and manufacturing sectors . Tour operators and tourism in general will also feel the pinch."

"BTAC urges Minister Joyce Murray to consider the serious negative economic effect of higher taxes and fees on recreational cycling and outdoor sports in general", Ms. O'Connell said. "Families and young people should not be expected to pay more in order to solve the fiscal problems in the Ministry - this direction is ill advised", she added.

Editor's Note - You can register your comments on this government proposal by sending a fax to 250 387-1356, or by e-mailing to joyce.murray.mla@leg.bc.ca.

Burnaby Velodrome to Host Indoor "3-Day" in November

[Burnaby, BC - Oct 15/02] The only indoor velodrome in North America, the 200M Burnaby Velodrome in British Columbia, Canada, is pleased to announce its first race series event of the fall/winter 2002/2003 indoor track season.

The 3 day event will draw local Canadian and American track riders from Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, and hopes to bring talent in from Portland, Calgary and Edmonton. A unique facility in Canada and the USA, the Burnaby Velodrome is excited to be hosting the race, its first since re-opening on September 4, 2002.

Friday night will have flying 200M qualifying heats, Saturday and Sunday will run a number of events including points races, miss-n-out, scratch race, kilometre, keirin, olympic sprint, 4000m pursuit, and madison.

* About the Burnaby VelodromeThe Burnaby Velodrome is located 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and is home to Canadian National Track Cycling Team member, Mandy Poitras Canadian National Jr. Road Team members Marsh Cooper and Cameron Evans, and North American Masters Track Champion, Ted Ritter. The wooden track was opened in 1997 and runs 200M long, 6M wide, with 47 degree banking in the corners. Rudy Project is a proud sponsor of the Burnaby Velodrome.

Andrea Blaseckie, also from Victoria smashed her own two year old record of 87 km/h to deliver an awesome new record of 104 km/h. She was riding another Georgiev vehicle very similar to the Diablo called "Mephisto".

The rules are simple: build up speed over the length of the 5 mile dead-flat course and hit the 200m timing traps at maximum velocity. All power must be solely human powered which means no drafting, tailwinds, motors, or gravity. What makes these vehicles so fast is there superior aerodynamics and small size. This year saw invited teams from Germany, Holland, Great Britain, USA and Canada compete for the title of worlds fastest human in the little town of Battle Mountain, Nevada.

On the line this year was a prize of $40,000 to the first person to crack 132 kph which attracted such stars as world sprint champion Jan van Ijden. Unfortunately the weather was not as favourable as years past and the prize proved unattainable for the moment at least. Sam's nearest rival was Matt Weaver of the USA clocking in at a mere 110 km/h.

GK Ripper 2002 - B.C.Courtesy Allie Sheridan

The 2nd annual event was a huge success, raising approximately $10,000.00 (along with the $15,000.00 raised from last years event) with a lot of local support from the community of Squamish, Kona, Rocky Mountain, and others. As you can see, Squamish has some pretty spectalular local kids coming up in the scene of downhill racing which is very exciting to see.

Graham was very happy with the turnout and we are already discussing next year's event, as it is only getting better with age. Last year Graham was a recovering quadriplegic in a wheelchair. Today, thanks to his many friends and family, he is slowly re-building his life now walking with the aid of a cane and going back to school for re-education.

We had 180 competitors and everyone was there for a good time and to have some fun.

The Midweek Cycling Club is holding its 3rd. annual dinner and awards night on Saturday, October 26th. For details, location,etc. go to www.midweekclub.com. This year, the keynote speaker is mountaineer Jim Elzinga, one of the few heroic individuals to conquer Mount Everest (twice!), who will be giving a multi-media presentation on his Everest experiences. Large corporations have paid thousands of dollars to bring in this unique and exciting man (www.midweekclub.com/jim.htm). Tina Mayberry will also be giving one of her popular slide shows on the Midweek Club season highlights. Tickets are $25 each and seating is limited to the first 65 to confirm reservations.